There are moments on the road, usually late at night after a long day of driving, when you look at your tank monitor and your heart sinks. You’re full up, and you need a dump station. Not tomorrow, not in an hour, but right now. You don't need scenery or charm. You need a place that’s open, reliable, and easy to get in and out of. For those moments, a good Love’s Travel Stop is an RVer’s best friend. And the one in Sauget, Illinois, right across the river from St. Louis, is a textbook example of why these places are lifesavers for full timers and weekend warriors alike. It’s open 24/7, has a clearly marked RV dump for a ten-dollar fee, and it’s designed for big rigs. It’s the epitome of a quick, no-fuss, get-it-done stop.
The location is what makes this particular Love’s so strategic. You’re on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, just a five mile hop from the Gateway Arch. This is a big deal. Trying to navigate a large Class A or a fifth wheel through downtown St. Louis can be a white knuckle experience. The streets are tight, parking is a nightmare, and finding a place to do something as simple as grab groceries can be a major production. This Love’s in Sauget lets you set up a sort of operational base. You can pull in, dump your tanks, fill up on diesel, and then unhook your toad vehicle to zip into the city for sightseeing. You can be at a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium or exploring the incredible City Museum in under fifteen minutes without ever having to worry about where to park your rig. For history buffs, the Cahokia Mounds, a mind-blowing pre Columbian city, is just a short drive north. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site and an absolute must see. You can spend the day exploring the city, then pop back over the bridge to the relative quiet of the Illinois side.
Let's talk about the process of dumping at a major truck stop. Love’s has this down to a science. It’s an entirely different beast from a quiet campground dump. You need to be on your game. You’ll pull in and follow the signs for the RV lanes, which are usually situated near the professional driver diesel pumps. The energy is high. There's the constant rumble of engines, the hiss of air brakes, and the smell of diesel in the air. You pay for the dump right at the pump with a credit card, or you can go inside the store. It’s all about efficiency. My advice is to get your gloves on and your sewer hose out before you even pull up to the drain. The goal is to be quick and considerate, because there might be other RVers or even commercial trucks waiting. The best times to go are usually mid day. Early mornings and late evenings are prime time for the long haul truckers, and the lanes can get pretty backed up.
Now, for the amenities, which you have to view through the lens of a traveler on the move. The single biggest thing to know about this location is the lack of rinse water at the dump station itself. This is a critical piece of information. You absolutely must have your own rinse water on hand. This could be a few gallons in a dedicated jug or a non-potable water hose that you can connect to a spigot elsewhere if you can find one. Don't be the person who finishes dumping their black tank and then realizes they have no way to clean their hose. I’ve seen it happen, and it’s not pretty. On the plus side, you have everything else you need for a total reset. You can fill up on both gasoline and diesel. The showers are a godsend after a few days of boondocking; you can pay per use or use your Love’s Reward card points. The laundry facilities are right there in the same area. It’s a one stop shop to get your rig, and yourself, clean and ready for the next leg of the journey. Just remember that pets aren't allowed inside the store, so one of you will have to wait outside with the dog while the other runs in.
The value proposition here is crystal clear. That ten dollar fee is the national average, and for what you get, it’s a bargain. You’re not just paying to empty your tanks. You’re paying for 24/7 access, for security, and for the convenience of being able to do five different chores in one stop. You can dump, fuel up, do laundry, take a hot shower, and grab a bite to eat all within about an hour. For a full timer, that kind of efficiency is priceless. My pro tip is to download the Love’s Connect app on your phone. You can check fuel prices in real time and even see if pumps are busy before you pull in. And when you’re at the dump station, be mindful of the wind. You’re on the flat plains of Illinois, and a strong gust can send your sewer cap flying across the parking lot if you’re not careful.
So, is this the right stop for you? If you're rolling along the I-70 or I-64 corridor and need a guaranteed, fast, and efficient place to handle your business, then absolutely. This Love’s in Sauget is a workhorse. It delivers exactly what it promises. It’s not scenic, it’s not quiet, but it’s one of the most practical and reliable dots you can put on your travel map. Just remember to bring your own rinse water, and you’ll be back on the road toward the Gateway Arch with empty tanks and a full sense of relief.
2005 Mousette Ln, Sauget, IL 62206
(618) 332-7706
Cost: $10
Category: Truck stop
No Water
loves.com/locations/758